Support structure for delivery container

ABSTRACT

Delivering items to users by a delivery organization, or for transporting items purchased at a merchant location, comprises a delivery container assembly. The delivery container assembly is utilized to deliver non-standard items that are not suitable for a standard paper bag. The delivery container assembly includes an outer paper bag. The paper bag may optionally include integrated handles for transporting the delivery container assembly. A rigid support structure is placed inside the bag to support the bag, prevent rupturing of the bag, prevent overturning of the bag, and/or to keep the bag in an open position. The support structure may be composed of a rigid cardboard or other stiff, yet pliable, material. In certain examples, the bag and the support structure may be composed of one or more recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, cellulose, or other suitable materials.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to improving the delivery of heavy orcumbersome items in a supported container. The products in a deliverybag are supported by a rigid support structure to prevent bag rupture ortearing. The supported bag can allow a shipper to deliver products in abag that would typically require a more substantial container.

BACKGROUND

When shippers and other delivery companies deliver products to a user,or a user purchases items at a merchant location, the most costeffective shipping container is typically a bag, such as a paper bag.Some items may not be conducive to transport in a bag, such as heavyitems, sharp/pointed items, or rolling items. These items, and any otheritems not suitable for shopping bags, may cause the bag to rupture,tear, topple over, or deform. If this happens, the items may be damagedor lost. Some of these cumbersome items can be more safely transportedin a box or other more substantial container. However, boxes and otherrigid containers may be cost prohibitive compared to a bag.

Current applications for delivering products do not allow a bag to bestructurally supported to protect the transported items and the user.

SUMMARY

Assemblies and methods described herein provide a delivery container fordelivering items to users by a delivery organization, or fortransporting items purchased at a merchant location. The deliverycontainer can be utilized to deliver non-standard items that are notsuitable for a standard paper bag. The delivery container includes anouter paper bag. The paper bag may optionally include integrated handlesfor transporting the delivery container. A rigid support structure isplaced inside the bag to support the bag, mitigate rupturing of the bag,mitigate the risk of the assembly overturning, and/or to keep the bag inan open position. The support structure may be composed of a rigidcardboard or other stiff, yet pliable, material. In certain examples,the bag and the support structure may be composed of one or morerecyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, cellulose, or othersuitable materials.

In certain other example aspects described herein, methods to preparethe container are provided.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of theexample embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skillin the art upon consideration of the following detailed description ofillustrated example embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of a delivery bagand a support structure, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of the supportstructure being deposited into the delivery bag, in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of the supportstructure inside the delivery bag, in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting a cross section of the supportstructure inside of the delivery bag, in accordance with certain exampleembodiments.

FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of a delivery bagwith a top portion of the delivery bag sealed, in accordance withcertain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Overview

The example embodiments described herein provide a delivery containerthat includes a delivery bag supported by a rigid structure to helpprevent bag rupture or tearing. The supported delivery bag can allow ashipper or user to deliver products in a bag that would typicallyrequire a more substantial container.

In an example, a delivery organization receives an order to deliver oneor more products to a user. In an example, the user has ordered productsfrom a merchant to be delivered to the residence of the user.Alternatively, the delivery organization is a merchant and is deliveringproducts sold by the delivery organization. Alternatively, the deliveryorganization receives products to ship from one user to a second user.In another example, the user purchases items from a merchant locationand transports the items home from the location in the deliverycontainer.

One or more of the products for delivery may require more support fortransportation than a paper bag is capable of providing. For example,the items may be heavy items, pointed items, rolling items, or othernon-standard items that are not configured to be carried in a paper bag.These items, and any other such items, may cause the bag to rupture,tear, topple over, or deform. If any of these failures happen, the itemsin the bag may be damaged or lost. For example, a bag of potatoes may beheavy enough to rupture the bag, creating a hole through which thepotatoes and other items may fall and be damaged. In another example, ametal object may have a pointed or sharp region that pierces or cuts thebag and creates a hole. In another example, a round melon may beunstable in a bag because the melon will tend to roll. The rolling maycause a bag to overturn or deform and allow the melon and other items tospill from the bag.

The delivery organization determines the size of the delivery bagrequired for to deliver the items. The delivery organization determinesthe type and/or amount of support that the bag will require based on theitems to be delivered. For example, if the items are not heavy, round,or pointed, the deliver organization may select a typical paper bagwithout any support. If the items are larger, then a larger bag may beselected. However, if the items are heavy, round, or pointed, thedeliver organization may select a paper bag and a support structure forthe delivery bag.

In the example, a support structure is a box that fits inside thedelivery bag. The support structure is sized to fit snugly inside thedelivery bag without wasting storage space inside the delivery bag. Forexample, the support structure may be sized so that the outer perimeterof the support structure is incrementally smaller than the insideperimeter of the delivery bag. When the support structure is inside thedelivery bag, the support structure causes the delivery bag to be opento the delivery bag's full volume.

In the example, the support structure is constructed with a bottomsurface and four sidewalls. In the example, the support structure is notconstructed with a top. Therefore, when the support structure is placedin the delivery bag, the support structure is open to receive items thatare placed in the delivery bag.

Since the support structure does not have a top, the delivery bag may beused to seal any items in the container when desired. When the items areplaced in the delivery bag, and thus in the support structure that is inthe delivery bag, the delivery bag may be folded over, cinched shut,sealed with an adhesive, or in any suitable manner sealed shut. Forexample, the delivery bag may have creased folds to indicate where auser should fold the delivery bag for sealing. The delivery bag may befolded along the creases and then taped, stapled, glued, or otherwisesealed shut, if desired. The delivery bag may include handles, straps,or other suitable devices for carrying the delivery bag.

The material of the support structure and the delivery bag are selectedbased on the characteristics of the items to be delivered. For example,if the items are heavier, then materials for the delivery bag and thesupport structure may be selected based on each of the materials havinga higher strength. If the items have sharper points, then material forthe support structure may be selected based on the material having ahigher hardness. If the items are likely to leak fluids, then materialsfor the delivery bag and/or the support structure may be selected basedon each of the materials having a water resistant coating or lining. Ifthe items are likely to be heavier at the top creating a likelihood thatthe items will cause the delivery bag and support structure to toppleover, then materials for the support structure may be selected based oneach of the materials being more rigid to provide greater support higherup the delivery bag. Any other delivery bag and support structurematerials may be mixed or matched to create a delivery container suitedto the characteristics of the items being delivered.

In a typical example, the delivery bag is constructed of a thick papermaterial, similar to a traditional paper bag from a grocery. The supportstructure is constructed of a thicker, more rigid paper. Alternatively,the support structure may be constructed of a corrugated cardboardmaterial to provide even greater rigidity. In certain examples, thedelivery bag and the support structure may be composed of one or morerecyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, cellulose, or othersuitable materials.

The support structure may be manufactured with a folding pattern thatallows the support structure to be delivered in a flat configuration.The support structure may be expanded, unfolded, or in any suitablemanner opened to a five-sided box configuration. The flat configurationallows the support structure to save space during shipping and storageuntil the support structure is to be used.

When the delivery organization is ready to use the delivery bag, thedelivery bag is opened by a user to its full volume. The supportstructure is expanded to its full volume as a five-sided box without atop. The support structure is placed into the delivery bag. The userensures that the support structure outer bottom surface rests on theinner bottom surface of the delivery bag. In an example, the user may berequired to push the support structure down into the delivery bag toovercome the effects of friction that may hold the support structure offthe bottom surface of the delivery bag. After the support structure isplaced in the delivery bag, the delivery container will freely standwithout any further support and will be open to the full volume of thedelivery bag.

The user may then place the items for delivery into the deliverycontainer and seal the bag shut as described herein. The delivery bagwith the support structure containing the items is thus ready fordelivery.

By using and relying on the methods and systems described herein, thedelivery container enables the user to deliver items that are notsuitable for a traditional paper bag. As such, the assemblies andmethods described herein may reduce the number of ruptures, tears,spills, and capsizes of the delivery bag due to heavy, bulky, sharp, orrolling items. The systems and methods will reduce waste, spilledproducts, and user frustration because products will be delivered ortransported safely.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like (butnot necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, exampleembodiments of the present technology are described in detail.

FIG. 1 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of a delivery bag100 and a support structure 110.

In an example, a delivery organization receives an order to deliver oneor more products to a customer. In an example, the customer has orderedproducts from a merchant to be delivered to the residence of thecustomer. Alternatively, the delivery organization is the merchant andis delivering products sold by the delivery organization. Alternatively,the delivery organization receives products to ship from one user to asecond user. In another example, the customer purchases items from amerchant location and transports the items back home from the location.

In the example, the items for delivery may require more support fortransportation than a paper delivery bag 100 is capable of providing.The delivery bag 100 is shown opened without a support structure 110.Thus, the delivery bag 100 is not open to the full volume of thedelivery bag 100. The delivery bag 100 is shown with a handle 101. Oneor more handles 101 may be used to carry the delivery bag 100 afterfilling. In the example, the handles 101 may be placed in an uprightposition extending above the top surface of the delivery bag 100 whenthe top portion of the delivery bag 100 is folded over and sealed.

The support structure 110 is shown beside the delivery bag 100. Thesupport structure 110 is illustrated as a five-sided box without a topsurface. The support structure 110 is sized to be incrementally smallerthan the delivery bag 101 such that the support structure 110 fitssnugly inside the delivery bag 101 without wasting storage space insidethe delivery bag 101. The height of the sidewalls of the supportstructure 110 may be any reasonable size, but the height is typicallyone-third to one-half the height of the delivery bag 101. When thesupport structure 110 is inside the delivery bag 101, the supportstructure 110 causes the delivery bag 101 to be open to the full volumeof the delivery bag 101.

In a typical example, the delivery bag 101 is constructed of paper,similar to a traditional paper bag from a grocery store. The supportstructure 110 is constructed of a thicker, more rigid paper.Alternatively, the support structure 110 may be constructed of acorrugated cardboard material to provide even greater rigidity andstrength. In certain examples, the delivery bag 101 and the supportstructure 110 may be composed of one or more recyclable materials, suchas paper, cardboard, cellulose, or other suitable materials.

The support structure 110 may be in the shape of a box. That is, thesupport structure 110 may have four side walls and a bottom surface. Thesupport structure 110 may have the sidewalls glued together with eachother and/or the bottom surface to form the box. Any other suitableconstruction technique to form a box-like structure may be utilized. Anyother suitable shape support structure 110 may be utilized in otherexamples. For example, a box that has a round bottom surface and acylindrical sidewall may be utilized for a cylindrical bag. A box thathas for sidewalls meeting at the a seam on at the bottom may be utilizedfor a delivery bag 101 that does not have a flat bottom surface. Anyother suitable shape support structure 110 may be used to conform to theshape of the delivery bag 101.

FIG. 2 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of the supportstructure 110 being deposited into the delivery bag 100, in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

When the delivery organization is ready to use the delivery bag 100, thedelivery bag 100 is opened by a user to its full volume. The supportstructure 110 is expanded to its full volume as a five-sided box withouta top. The support structure 110 is placed into the delivery bag 100.The user ensures that the support structure 110 rests on the insidebottom surface of the delivery bag 100. In an example, the user may berequired to push the support structure 110 down into the delivery bag100 to overcome the effects of friction that may hold the supportstructure 110 off the bottom surface of the delivery bag 100. After thesupport structure 110 is placed in the delivery bag 100, the deliverybag 100 will freely stand without any further support and will be opento the full volume of the delivery bag 100. In an example, the supportstructure 110 is adhered to the inside of the delivery bag 101 toprevent slippage or separation. For example, a hot melt or otheradhesive may be applied to the inside of the delivery bag 101 and/or theoutside of the support structure 110. When the support structure 110 isplaced inside the delivery bag 101, the adhesive bonds the delivery bag101 to the support structure 110.

FIG. 3 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of the supportstructure 110 inside the delivery bag 100, in accordance with certainexample embodiments.

As shown, the support structure 110 is inside the delivery bag 100 andthe delivery bag 100 is opened to the full volume of the delivery bag100. The flat bottom surface of the support structure 110 assists thedelivery bag 100 with standing solidly without tipping over. The outerperimeter of the support structure 110 is shown as being marginallysmaller than the inside perimeter of the delivery bag 100 so that thedelivery bag 100 is held open and minimal space inside the delivery bag100 is wasted.

FIG. 4 is an illustration depicting a cross section of the supportstructure 110 inside of the delivery bag 100, in accordance with certainexample embodiments.

The cross section illustrates that the support structure 110 fits snuglyinside the delivery bag 100. The support structure 110 is also shownwith a thicker cross section of the material of construction than thedelivery bag 100. The support structure 110 is typically constructed ofa thicker material to ensure that the delivery bag 100 is supported whendelivering items that are not suitable for a traditional bag.

FIG. 5 is an illustration depicting a perspective view of a delivery bag100 with the top portion of the delivery bag 100 sealed, in accordancewith certain example embodiments.

After the support structure 110 is placed inside the delivery bag 100and items are placed inside the support structure 110, the top portionof the delivery bag 100 may be folded and sealed. The folding of thedelivery bag 100 may be performed in any suitable manner. For example,the delivery bag 100 may have a series of creases that allow the topportion delivery bag 100 to be folded in a precise manner to form apreferred seal. The top portion of the delivery bag 100 may be shapedwith cutouts or flaps to allow the delivery bag 100 to be folded andsecured via friction. The top portion of the delivery bag 100 may havean adhesive or other material deposited on the surface of the deliverybag 100 to allow the delivery bag 100 to be sealed. A user of thedelivery bag 100 may tape, glue, or otherwise seal the top portion ofthe delivery bag 100 closed. The support structure 110 inside thedelivery bag 100 is completely enclosed inside the delivery bag 100 toprevent items placed in the structure from escaping if the delivery bag100 is overturned or dropped.

In certain examples, the handles 101 are exposed, raised, supported, orotherwise made available to a user when the delivery bag 100 is sealedclosed. In alternate examples, the handles may be available for use evenwhen the delivery bag 100 is not closed or sealed.

The example systems, methods, and acts described in the embodimentspresented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments,certain acts can be performed in a different order, in parallel with oneanother, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different exampleembodiments, and/or certain additional acts can be performed, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of various embodiments. Accordingly,such alternative embodiments are included in the inventions describedherein.

Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, thedescription is merely for purposes of illustration. It should beappreciated, therefore, that many aspects described above are notintended as required or essential elements unless explicitly statedotherwise. Modifications of, and equivalent components or actscorresponding to, the disclosed aspects of the example embodiments, inaddition to those described above, can be made by a person of ordinaryskill in the art, having the benefit of the present disclosure, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of embodiments defined in thefollowing claims, the scope of which is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalentstructures.

1. A container assembly to contain items, comprising: a bag comprising abag bottom surface and four bag side walls, the bag being constructed ofpliable material; and a structural support comprising a structuralsupport bottom surface and four structural support side walls, thestructural support being constructed of a material that is more rigidthan the pliable material of the bag, wherein the structural support ispositioned inside the bag such that an exterior of the structuralsupport bottom surface is in contact with an interior of the bag bottomsurface, and wherein the structural support sidewalls are one-third toone-half as tall as the bag sidewalls.
 2. The container assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising handles integrated with the bag fortransporting the bag.
 3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein thebag is opened substantially to the maximum volume of the bag by thestructural support.
 4. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein thestructural support is constructed of corrugated cardboard.
 5. Thecontainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the structural support isconstructed of a water-resistant material.
 6. The container assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the structural support is placed into the bag beforeitems are placed in the bag.
 7. The container assembly of claim 1,wherein an open top of the bag is sealed closed after the items areadded to the bag.
 8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the bagis constructed of a plastic material.
 9. The container assembly of claim1, wherein the structural support comprises a waterproof liner inside aperimeter of the structural support.
 10. The container assembly of claim1, wherein the structural support is adhered to an inside surface of thebag.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein thestructural support is a five-sided box without a top section.
 13. Thecontainer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cardboard of which thestructural support is constructed is selected to be capable oftransporting non-standard items.
 14. The container assembly of claim 13,wherein the non-standard items comprise items that are one or more ofheavier than a standard item or sharper than a standard item.
 15. Thecontainer assembly of claim 13, wherein the non-standard items compriseitems that are prone to rolling.
 16. The container assembly of claim 1,wherein the four structural support side walls are in contact with thefour bag side walls.
 17. A method to assemble and pack a deliverycontainer, comprising: receiving one or more items that do not pack wellin a paper bag; selecting an appropriately sized delivery bag forming abottom surface and four sidewalls; selecting a structural supportcomprising a structural support bottom surface and four structuralsupport side walls that is constructed of a rigid material capable oftransporting the one or more items, wherein the structural support sidewalls are one-third to one-half as tall as the delivery bag sidewalls,positioning the structural support inside the delivery bag, thestructural support being positioned such that the structural supportbottom surface is in contact with the delivery bag bottom surface; anddepositing the one or more of items in the delivery bag fortransportation.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising sealingthe bag after the one or more items are placed into the delivery bag.19. The method of claim 17, wherein the delivery bag is openedsubstantially to the maximum volume of the delivery bag by thestructural support.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the structuralsupport is constructed of corrugated cardboard.
 21. The method of claim18, wherein the corrugated cardboard of which the structural support isconstructed is selected to be capable of transporting non-standarditems.